On-Campus Course Schedule for Summer 2021

Culture Reporting

Today’s writers and editors are expected to curate and engage with communities around a variety of multicultural topics: Gender, Race, Nationality, Sexuality and Religion to name a few. This course will allow students to explore, expand and probe the notion of diversity and the “other.” The clash of cultures is playing out in the corridors of power. But how does it impact individuals? Students will learn how to identify larger trends through the individual. Mainstream news organizations such as the New York Times and NPR now have beats which cover global health and poverty, gender and race among others. Students will be asked to cover a community they are not familiar with -- whether it be a refugee family, an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, women in the workplace, or a poor neighborhood to name a few examples. You will learn how to tell a story that makes everyone care. We will read, listen and watch some great works of multicultural reporting to serve as context and critique new ones. This course will be reporting and writing intensive. The goal will be to create a multimedia platform –blogs, photos, and one long form piece whether it be magazine, podcast or long for video that everyone can contribute to. You learn also how to pitch the story to get editors interested.

Note: MPJO 500 and MPJO 501 are pre-reqs. Must be in the MPJO program.

Data Reporting

This course is intended to introduce students to data journalism through hands-on work and a survey of techniques used in reporting. Students will learn how to acquire, evaluate and analyze data from a variety of sources, with an emphasis on using freely available tools. The goal is to develop a comfort level for working with different kinds of data and for different purposes, which include creating visualizations or maps to aid in the reporting process. This is a skills-based course, so students will need to be comfortable with learning to use computer software beyond word processors. Prior experience is not required or assumed, but a basic comfort level and willingness to experiment are vital.

Note: This course requires MPJO 501 and MPJO 505 prior to registration.

Design For Communicators

Dig. Analytics & Measurement

This course examines the processes for gathering, interpreting, and presenting compelling digital data. Students will learn to use digital public opinion polling, specialized reports, social media platforms, digital analysis tools, and news aggregators to explain market research, audience trends, and social conversations. Students will also create data visualization tools to streamline data presentation into succinct, engaging formats.

Note: This course requires pre-requisites MPJO 500, 501, 505, and 508. This class is cross-listed with MPMC 806.

MPS Journalism Internship

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class.

Note: Program permission required. Extensive documented academic and experiental learning (at least 10 hours per week). This course follows the add/drop deadlines listed on the summer school calendar.

Internship II

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class. Note: Extensive, documented academic activity and experiential learning outside of classroom (min. 6-8 hours per week) is required.

Note: Program permission required. Extensive documented academic and experiental learning (at least 10 hours per week). This course follows the add/drop deadlines listed on the summer school calendar.

MPS Journalism Capstone

Note: Course is a core requirement of the MPS degree. A grade of "B" or higher is needed to pass this course. Pre-reqs are MPJO 500, 501, 505, and 508.

Multimedia Storytelling

This course will offer a highly intensive multimedia experience where students will learn the art and craft of multimedia storytelling, giving students a practical foundation to expand upon, one that will help them navigate the shifting media landscape. We will examine the current state of multimedia storytelling by reviewing many of the best past and present projects. Most importantly, students will learn the process and tools of multimedia creation through hands-on reporting and editing assignments. The class will build on the skills that students acquired during the foundation courses, Reporting and Newswriting, Photo and Video Storytelling and Digital Essentials. Students will pitch and execute stories based in the Washington, D.C., area, and be expected to participate in peer review of their classmates’ work. They will learn how multimedia stories are reformatted and edited to reach broad audiences on content-sharing platforms, studying examples of multimedia projects that have engaged digital audiences in innovative ways.

Note: This course requires 501 and MPJO 508 prior to registering for it.

Photo and Video Storytelling

Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. Additional 150 minute distance learning component required Course Description: This course is designed to give the student the ability to communicate in the Video Age--whether for television or the web. We call it storytelling to emphasize the communication of ideas, rather than simply the technical knowledge of shooting and editing video. Students will begin by learning how shots work together, how to write compelling scripts, and how to use audio for best effect. Then students will work with professional camera equipment to develop shooting, lighting, and audio skills. The class will also have hands-on instruction in editing techniques using Final Cut Pro. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable in the video storytelling process--from the flash of an idea, to the finished product on the screen, in the field, and in the studio. Students who entered the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to graduate.

Visual Communications

Note: Students must have completed MPJO 500, 501, 505, 508 to register. This course is cross-listed with MPDC 520-140 and MPMC 720-140.